Mueller, Manafort, Cohen: What to know Russia investigation updates

Christal Hayes USA TODAY Published 2:12 AM EST Dec 7, 2018 WASHINGTON – Buckle up. It’s going to be a newsy Friday. The end of the week is typically used by officials and agencies as a dumping ground for major news, but today is shaping up to be big. Really big. There are expected updates in the Russia investigation. Former FBI Director James Comey is testifying before Congress. President Donald Trump is expected to announce a new pick for ambassador to the United Nations. The updates in the Russia investigation include prosecutors explaining why a plea agreement with Paul Manafort, Trump’s former campaign chairman, fell apart, and a sentencing memorandum that could outline what Michael Cohen, the president’s former attorney, told investigators. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s sure to be a crazy day in the nation’s capital. What did Manafort lie about? It was a quick breakup between Paul Manafort, the president’s former campaign chairman, and Mueller’s investigators. After months of attempting to fend off charges posed by Mueller’s team, Manafort was found guilty of eight criminal counts in August in a bank fraud conspiracy. Manafort, 69, now facing what could be a life sentence in prison, decided to change gears and reached a plea agreement with Mueller’s team, offering to cooperate instead of moving forward with a second trial in the District of Columbia. More: Mueller: Paul Manafort violated plea agreement, lied to FBI in interviews More: Judge sets Paul Manafort sentencing for March 5 after plea agreement with Robert Mueller collapses More:… [Read full story]